West End ice cream truck meanders around local rules, fees

Ice cream truck owners who serve the West End offer area children a treat that is usually reserved for more suburban neighborhoods.

Comment

By CHRIS REBER

poconorecord.com

By CHRIS REBER

Posted Jul. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM

By CHRIS REBER

Posted Jul. 25, 2013 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

Ice cream truck owners who serve the West End offer area children a treat that is usually reserved for more suburban neighborhoods.

But operating a rural ice cream truck can be more complicated because of a patchwork of regulations for each township or private community you're in.

Vivian Conte of Albrightsville has operated Vivian's Ice Cream for four years. She purchased the truck with the idea of driving around her neighborhood, and twice a year, renting a piece of land to sell to fans arriving at Pocono Raceway.

But her development, Indian Mountain Lakes, wouldn't allow the truck. And the track's township, Tunkhannock, requires a $300 annual fee, not to mention renting a spot near the track.

"The fees you pay are discouraging. Everybody has their hand out," Conte said. "They don't want the kids to enjoy themselves."

Tunkhannock Township officials say their fees are based on capturing revenue from race day vendors around Pocono Raceway. But it's just one of the varied regulations vendors face.

Most townships require a permit from the Department of Agriculture and proof of insurance.

In Polk Township, the supervisors approve trucks. To pass, operators must provide a map of where they plan to stop to ensure children's safety, officials said. They must also undergo a background check.

In Eldred Township, operators must secure a free permit annually on the condition that they provide a travel route to avoid dangerous intersections and the steep slopes of Blue Mountain, officials said.

Jackson Township officials said they require a $50 peddling and soliciting permit, which also involves a background check.

In Chestnuthill, Conte said she was denied a permit because she wasn't a township resident. And Ross Township puts no restrictions on the trucks.

Zoning officers say the regulations are varied because there is not a lot of historical demand for ice cream trucks in this area, and children's safety is at stake.

The county's many private communities pose another hurdle. They have the right to deny ice cream trucks access, just like any other solicitor that would sell goods to residents.

"In the developments, they want to give you a hard time too. It's a shame. They say you can't have a business in their business," Conte said.

Conte says the permits are a frustrating upfront cost that she has to deal with each year. But as long as business is good, she likes to see the reactions from happy customers.

"The kids get a kick out of it because it's not something you have around here," Conte said.